Unanimous Hall vote for Jeter would be a first

NEW YORK — Derek Jeter has had as close to perfect a career as a major-leaguer can have. Still, five years from now, don't expect the New York Yankees captain to be a unanimous selection to baseball's Hall of Fame.

That's not a knock. He'd be in pretty impressive company.

Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Cal Ripken Jr. dominated the game and came up short. Tom Seaver, the top vote-getter by percentage, was left off five ballots.

If there's anyone worthy of 100 percent approval from the voters in the Baseball Writers' Association of America, Jeter could be it.

“He's so revered,” Hall spokesman Brad Horn said. “He's reached iconic status probably at a more national standard of any player of his lifetime.”

The 40-year-old shortstop's model career for the major's most storied franchise will come to an end Sunday after two decades, save a baseball miracle. Five World Series championships, sixth on the career hits list, 14 All-Star selections. He's the face of baseball, idolized by a generation of young stars. And he played through the Steroids Era without the slightest tarnish.

What then could possibly prevent No. 2 from receiving affirmation from all 500-plus voters on the class of 2020 ballot?

Plenty, it turns out.

Election to the Hall of Fame requires 75 percent of the vote from writers with 10 consecutive years in the BBWAA at any point, a rigorous standard that produced no player electees in 2013. Writers can vote for up to 10 players — there were 36 on the ballot this year with Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas gaining entry.

“If there's going to be a first-time unanimous choice for the Hall of Fame, it should be him,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said.